GARY SPEED leads Wales into "one of the most important games of my career" tonight urging his team-mates to enjoy the occasion rather than dread it.

Many of the pre-match warnings to the massive Euro 2004 qualifier in Belgrade's Red Star Stadium have been designed to strike fear into the hearts of the Welshmen.

Such has been the focus on the hostile reception Mark Hughes' men are expected to receive when they face struggling Serbia-Montenegro that comparatively little has been said about footballing matters.

But captain Speed - set to win his 74th cap at left-back - insists all the talk of a volatile crowd and no shortage of aggression on the pitch should prevent Wales from enjoying the match - and revelling in their role as Group Nine leaders.

"This is a match we have to look forward to," said the 33-year-old Newcastle United midfielder.

"There were times in the past when Wales wouldn't be in this position and the chance to qualify for a major championships would have gone.

"So when you get into a position where you have a two-point lead at the top of the group after four games, you ought to be looking forward to games.

"Speaking from past experience, it's sometimes hard to enjoy matches when you go into them bottom of the group but, given our current situation, we should enjoy each one that comes along.

"This is one of the biggest games of my career - probably as important as any other I've played in - but there's no question I'm looking forward to it.

"It is the kind of game any player wants to be involved in."

Having ventured out here just seven days ago with Newcastle for their Champions League clash against Partizan Belgrade, Speed knows just what kind of atmosphere to expect tonight.

"I'm certainly expecting something similar to last week," he said. "It was hostile, it was boisterous - the fans out here are desperate to see their teams do well.

"Things can get also quite aggressive on the pitch and that can be frustrating. It's a lot easier for me because I'm one of the most experienced players, but I guess it could get to some of the younger lads.

"Having said that, Craig (Bellamy) kept his head really well last week, even though he was fouled every time he got the ball and didn't get many free-kicks.

"The bottom line is that as professionals, you can't let matches like these affect you. Mark Hughes will not stand for any indiscipline and as individuals we can't make any excuses for losing our temperament."

If they can steer clear of adversity and snatch three points in Belgrade - a draw would guarantee them a place in the play-offs - Wales would be in touching distance of a Portuguese summer in 2004.

A win in the Balkan state would give the Welshmen the luxury of a five-point cushion at the top of Group Nine ahead of the big contest against Italy in Milan next month.

For veteran Speed - 34 next month - it represents another chance to move closer to reaching the finals of a major championship before the twilight of his career sets in.

The Hawarden-born player is desperate to make up for all the misery he has suffered with Wales since making his debut as a 20-year-old against Costa Rica in 1990.

But it is perhaps because he has experienced so much international heartache that Speed prefers to remain cautious at this halfway stage of the qualifying campaign.

"I'm going about things as normal and trying not to look too far ahead," he said.

"While there is still so much football to be played in the group, Mark (Hughes) won't allow anyone in the squad to get carried away.

"As a nation we haven't been in such a good position for a long, long time and we would love to improve on it by going into the Italy game with a five-point cushion.

"But it's important we remain focused on what's immediately in front of us."